Copyright: Marshall Hall - Interactive Outdoors, Inc. Castle lake is located close to the base of the summit trail to Castle peak. It is covered with ice and snow throughout the year.

The first 1/2 mile is fairly level, then begins to climb. There are some steep uphill sections and at the 1 1/2 mile mark there is a foot bridge. At the bridge you will need to cross the stream. The road continues to climb through spruce groves crossing a vehicle bridge and immediately becoming steeper and more rugged. Three miles up the road, the Mace cabin is passed on the right. Shortly thereafter, a number of parking areas are available and often used by climbers as the road becomes significantly more difficult past this point. The road crosses a stream with a waterfall on the uphill side. The next switchback is extremely difficult and numerous vehicles have been high- centering on it's rocks. A quarter mile past the cabin the road to Pearl Pass forks steeply to the left. Keeping right, the road soon climbs some steep, continuous switchbacks. The road is very narrow and rugged in some areas. The switchback right below the mine requires one to back up towards empty air in order to get around it and should only be attempted by expert drivers. The road ends at the parking area for Castle Peak. Right before the parking area is a very narrow and tilted section of road that is not for the faint of heart or for the inexperienced driver.

Directions from Aspen: Travel west from Aspen 1/2 mile on Highway 82 At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. Travel 13.5 miles on Castle Creek Road (2 miles past Ashcroft) to the intersection with the 4WD Pearl Pass Road #102. There is a small parking area at the junction.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: July through September (NOTE: Snow may obstruct the road at high elevations.) .

Castle Peak - Castle Peak, at 14,265 feet, is the highest peak in the Elk Range. It is located 12 miles south of Aspen at the end of the Castle Creek Valley